The Chiefs have made seven changes to their starting side to face the Hurricanes as they bid to keep alive the fading bid for a hat-trick Super Rugby titles in Hamilton on Friday.

Gone from the line-up that started the 29-25 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin last Friday are backs Gareth Anscombe, Dwayne Sweeney, Robbie Fruean, Bundee Aki, Augustine Pulu and loose-head prop Pauliasi Manu, while Tom Marshall moves from left wing to fullback.

Asaeli Tikoirotuma returns on the right wing after playing for Fiji in their record-breaking Rugby World Cup qualifier against Cook Islands, with James Lowe, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai and Tawera Kerr-Barlow joining him in the revamped backline.

The Chiefs are ninth on the ladder ahead of their final home fixture of the regular season, and they must win if they are to hold any chance of contesting the play-offs. Tanerau Latimer, Tikoirotuma and Aki are set to farewell the home crowd having signed to play overseas.